Of Fossils and Follies by Sienna Peake: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Victorians at the Beach (Book #2)
• Length: 114 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: July 9, 2025

Tropes

• Forced proximity
• Opposites attract

My Rating

Book Description

“Will an unexpected summer yield more than one discovery? 

Ever since she was a young girl studying geology with her father, Opal Martin has longed for the chance to visit Lyme Regis and dig for discoveries of her own. When a high-stakes contest partners her with the stiff and grumpy Mr. Harris, Opal hardly expects to find love along her quest for fossils.

Nigel Harris has had to work his way up from humble origins to become an assistant to the famous geologist, Gideon Buckston. The last thing he needs is a pampered lady tagging along on his summer explorations. But when his chance to join a prestigious expedition is on the line, he finds the ever-enthusiastic Miss Martin to be just the partner he needs.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Can a shared passion for the past lead to a beautiful future?

I liked that Nigel was someone Opal could truly be herself with. Meanwhile, Opal helped Nigel relax and enjoy himself, instead of taking things too seriously.

On the surface, the competition between the two teams was a chance to prove they had the necessary skills for the expedition. However, it was also meant to evaluate other things, like their teamwork.

Lord Chatsterbury might have a reputation for being eccentric, but there was a method to his madness. 

Favorite Moments

🐚 falling into the water 
🦴 charades
🐚 a walk on the balcony 
🦴 theodolite 
🐚 exploring the Roman villa
🦴 Opal’s near-fall
🐚 love confession

Favorite Quotes

“Nigel looked at the odd young woman across from him. She was unlike anyone he’d ever known. How many proper, upper-class women would fly about a sandy beach acting like a prehistoric creature? How many would be out spending their time working on a Dorset beach at all? He already knew the answer. There could only be one.“

Sienna Peake

“At the start of the summer, he’d thought it would be a burden having Miss Martin by his side. What a fool he had been. Now he would wish for no one else to stand beside him.“

Sienna Peake

“‘You know, your name is truly perfect for you. Opal. Just like your namesake, you are vibrant and glow with an inner fire.’“

Sienna Peake

“With one hand, she fingered the small, smooth ammonite Nigel had turned into a necklace upon their engagement. It was the first fossil he’d found in Lyme Regis. He had said it was fitting to give his first treasure to his greatest treasure.“

Sienna Peake

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